\n 2026-06-12T09:17:37+00:00<\/p>\n
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Shafaq News- Najaf<\/p>\n
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) showcased mechanical rice transplanting technology in Najaf, noting that the method could reduce water consumption by up to 30%.<\/p>\n
FAO Representative in Iraq Salah al-Hajj Hassan told Shafaq News that the organization had completed a pilot project covering 100 dunams\u00a0(10 hectares) of rice cultivation using mechanical transplanting after authorities approved rice farming for the current season<\/a>.<\/p>\n He said FAO plans to distribute around 80,000 seedling trays and provide farmers with modern equipment, including laser land-leveling systems, as part of a broader effort to improve water efficiency and agricultural productivity.<\/p>\n According to al-Hajj Hassan, the technology can reduce water use by up to 30%, cut seed requirements from around 150 kilograms to 60 kilograms per unit area, and lower pesticide use by as much as 80%. The system can also increase yields by between 15% and 20% while reducing labor requirements, he added.<\/p>\n FAO is implementing the initiative under its Green Climate project, supported by several international partners, including Sweden, Canada, and Norway, with the aim of expanding climate-smart agriculture across Iraq. The project has expanded this year, reaching around 300 farmers and covering approximately 900 dunams (90 hectares) in 2026.<\/p>\n